7 Spots to Celebrate Day of the Dead in Los Angeles

Halloween isn’t the only spooky celebration that happens this time of year. Dia De Los Muertos AKA The Day Of The Dead is observed Nov. 1. The Mexican tradition celebrates loved ones who have passed with dance rituals, musical performances, skeleton, costumes, tasty Mexican food and, of course, our favorite, spirits of the alcoholic kind.

From bar parties to festivals, check out six lively places to observe the Day of the Dead in Los Angeles.

San Pedro Dia de Los Muertos Festival

Celebrate Day of the Dead at the 8th Annual San Pedro Dia de los Muertos Festival with Jose Cuervo Tradicional. For 2019, the annual festival will feature cocktails in the tequila garden made with Cuervo Tradicional, the original 100% agave tequila. Then, guests can head over to People’s Place to see Cuervo’s new documentary, “Día De Muertos: Lake Pátzcuaro,” which was created by Mexican filmmakers Mónica Álvarez and Paola Villaneuva. The film unveils an intimate look into the story of Lake Pátzcuaro, a town located in Michoacán known for its vibrant Día De Muertos festivities. “Día De Muertos: Lake Pátzcuaro”  is the first documentary in an annual series designed to show authentic Día De Muertos traditions from different regions of Mexico.

When: Sunday, Oct. 27 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: 398 W. 6th St., San Pedro

sanpedrodayofthedead.com, @sanpedrodayofthedead

‘A New Dia’ Exhibit

Estrella Jalisco, the Mexican beer that enriches life with color and creativity, invites the public to take part in an immersive art experience in celebration of Día de Muertos. The exhibit, titled A New Día, or A New Day, inspires people to discover and embrace the holiday as a celebration of life and living tradition. Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez records the sensory guide for the immersive exhibit, that leads visitors through a journey of four geodesic dome installations at Wisdome LA,  a 35,000 sq. ft. art entertainment park located in the heart of the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. Estrella Jalisco will be also be available for consumers to purchase at the bars located within the exhibition. Guests can purchase tickets for $29 at:

When: Now through Friday, Nov. 1

Where: Wisdome LA, 1147 Palmetto St., Los Angeles

wisdome.la/anewdia, @EstrellaJalisco

Dia de Los Muertos at Toca Madera

The West Hollywood modern-Mexican institution known for their bold shared plates and farm-to-glass cocktails will be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with live and immersive entertainment. Guests can expect sugar skull face-painting, fire dancer and ghoulish Spanish guitar players complete with a new set of specialty cocktails provided by Casamigos and Cuervo Reserva La Familia

When; Friday, Nov. 1

Where: Toca Madera, 8450 W. 3rd St., West Hollywood

tocamadera.com, @tocamaderala

Dia De Los Muertos Brunch at Veranda

On Saturday, Nov. 2, Hotel Figueroa is celebrating Día de los Muertos with a thematic brunch menu at Veranda, the hotel’s poolside oasis. Think: Chile en Nogada, with pork and lamb picadillo; Pork Belly Tacos, with 16-hour sous vide pork belly on black squid ink tortillas; and Capirotada, Mexican style bread pudding, cinnamon whipped cream, and queso fresco. Guests can also sip on Blood Mary Martinis to top off the otherworldly brunch, all whilst taking in the views of the hotel’s coffin-shaped pool.

When: Saturday, Nov. 2

Where: Veranda at Hotel Figueroa, 939 S Figueroa St., Los Angeles

verandadtla.com, @verandadtla

Hard Day of the Dead

Just steps away from the Metro Gold Line and a short walk from Union Station, LA State Historic Park is a 34-acre grassy oasis in the heart of Downtown LA. It recently underwent a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation, which has made it an ideal home for one of the city’s most widely-recognized events. HARD Day of the Dead aims to bring the cultural beauty of the traditionally Mexican Dia de los Muertos holiday to new realms. It’s a way to be immersed in holiday traditions in an unconventional setting. Whether you’re there to dance, eat, or celebrate, you’re sure to have an incredible time. Day of the Dead attendees will be treated to a headlining performances from dance music’s ultimate duo Dog Blood, comprised of dubstep tastemaker Skrillex and Berlin-based house maestro Boys Noize, deep house and techno cuts from Zhu’s BLACKLIZT project, internationally acclaimed experimental bass producer TOKiMONSTA, anonymous electropop songwriter Elohim, the mysterious bass-heavy connoisseur 1788-L, versatile OWSLA veteran Josh Pan as he goes b2b with trap duo X&G, and trap-reggaeton genre blender Rosa Pistola.

Underground dance music will also be represented at the fest with Cuttin’ Headz label bosses The Martinez Brothers, Crosstown Rebels and Day Zero founder Damian Lazarus, Dirtybird mainstay Justin Martin, high-octane house forerunner Melé, and first-lady of Hot Creations Lauren Lane. Renowned Los Angeles dance music collectives like Brownies & Lemonade and pansexual party collective A Club Called Rhonda will also be taking over as well. Beyond the music, the festival is also embracing the cultural roots of its namesake, and will pay homage its Mexican heritage and the celebration of Día de los Muertos with inspired decor, local artists, live musicians and mariachis, craft beer and cocktails and flavorful cuisine.

When: Saturday, Nov. 2

Where: LA State Historic Park, 1245 N. Spring St., Los Angeles

dayofthedead.hardfest.com, @HARDFEST

Fiesta de Dia de Los Muertos at Madre’s

Torrance’s favorite Oaxacan restaurant is hosting its Fiesta De Dia De Los Muertos. Madre will be decorated with papel picado (paper banners), candles, and a traditional altar set up by Owner Ivan Vasquez. The kitchen will churn out Oaxacan staples and traditional Pan de Muerte (Mexican Day of The Dead bread) throughout the day. During the festivities, Vasquez will have a tasting of their Animas Mezcal. Guests are encouraged to dress in costumes and a costume contest will be held and at 9 p.m. the first, second, and third place winners will be announced and will take home a Madre goodie basket.

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m.

WHERE: Madre’s, 10426 National Blvd., Los Angeles,

Madrerestaurants.com, @madre_national

Dia de Los Muertos at the Cliffdiver

The Cliffdiver is a jewel box coastal Mexican-inspired destination, in a historic police station along Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway.The restaurant is known for its standout seafood and ceviche program, perfectly executed margaritas,signature frozen cocktails, impressive mezcal selection and gorgeous tree-lined patio. On Friday, Nov. 1, Cliffdiver will have $5 Micheladas all day to bring a bit of Mexico to Malibu for Dia De Los Muertos.

WHEN; Friday, Nov. 1

WHERE:  21337 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu,

thecliffdiver.com, @cliffdivermalibu

 

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